Distribution Board

An-Najah National University
Faculty of Engineering
Electrical Engineering Department
 Designing branch circuits

 overview
Branch circuits are the ended circuit of the distributing network
Usually the design of this network is done in the first stages of the electrical designs
(choosing CB and Cable suitable for load)
The branch circuits are collected in the Distribution Boards
The Main Panels are designed according to the distribution boards
The main distribution boards are connected to the global distribution boards related to
the distribution transformers

Overview
There are two types of circuits:
1- branch circuits :- starts from the Distribution board and end at the
specific load (Lamp , socket ,heater,….)
2- main feeders:- circuits starts from the global distribution boards
and end at the distribution board
 the main differences between the designing rules of the two types
of circuits are the estimation of the load
In the branch circuit , the load is specific (motor, heater ,lamp,…)
In the main feeder, the load are sum of loads working together or
separately which means that load is not specific.

the designing of the branch circuit means:-
1- choosing the rated of the circuit breaker (ICB)
2- choosing the correct cross sectional area in mm2 (Icable)
The choosing of the circuit breaker and cables depends on the load which
is divided into two types:-
1- static loads (no motors ) eg lamps)
2-Dynamic loads (motors)
a- dynamic loads consists of small motors (conditions)
b- dynamic loads consists of large motors (factories)

Designing of the branch circuits
 only the similar loads are fed from the single branch circuit ( i.e it is
wrong to supply the lighting and the sockets from the same branch
circuit.
The power loads are fed from separated circuits (i.e every condition
and heater should have separated circuit with no other load connected
to it )
 the current of the lighting branch circuit in the houses is 4:6 Amp
and the related circuit breaker is 10 A.

 the current of the branch circuit for the sockets in the houses is 8 A
and the related circuit breaker is 16 A.
It better to connect the near loads at the same branch circuit
The total load at each circuit breaker shouldn’t exceed 80% of the
rated of the circuit breaker if the load is not continuous
The load is called continuous load if it works more than 3 hours
continuously
The wire rating should be above the CB rating

 if the space is 50m2 , and the sockets are connected to more than
one branch circuit, then all the branch circuits should be connected to
the same phase.
 if the sockets are used in the 2 sides of the wall, then a 150 mm
distance should be left between them to prevent the sound from
travelling through them.
 Designing the static load circuit

In loads that not contains motors , the cross sectional area of the
cable and the rated value of the circuit breaker are chosen as follows
Calculating the load current (IL)
Choosing the CB such that the ICB>1.25 IL
Choosing the cable such that I cable> ICB (CB protect the cable)
The standard value of the CB current is chosen to be equal or above
the value (ICB>1.25 IL). For example if ICB is calculated to be 23 A. then
the standard value of the CB can be 25 A or 32 A.
 Designing the Dynamic load circuit

The difference between the rules of designing the static load circuit
and the dynamic load circuit is the high starting current in motors.
Rated current for motor= P/(v*p.f)
At the starting of the motors, the current which is called starting
current will be higher than the rated current .
This current last for few seconds then the motor’s current comeback
to it rated value.

The current I =(V-EMF)/Xm
EMF is proportional to the speed
At starting , the speed equals zero and so EMF=0
As Xm is very small, then the current =V/Xm will be very high
When the speed increases, EMF increases and the current returns to
it rated value.

 determining the starting current from name plate
Fig below shows the name plate of motor
The starting current
of this motor can be
calculated using what
Is called the KVA code
Find on the name plate

 determining the starting current from name plate
The table below shows the KVA/HP at starting for each KVA code
For our motor the KVA code is
G and KVA/HP is 5.6-6.29 KVA/HP
Since the motor power is 30 HP
Then the KVA at beginning =
5.9*30= 177 KVA
V rated =460 volt
I start=177*1000/(sqrt(3)*460)
=222 A

 Rules for designing the small motors
Small motors less than 15 HP
Calculate IL
Calculate Istarting
Choose ICB>Istarting
Choose cable such that Icable>ICB

 eg :- choose the suitable cable for a 5HP single phase motor whose
starting current =2.5 time the rated current of the motor. PF=0.8 and
V=220V and the effeciency=90%
IL= 5*746/(220*0.85*0.9) =22A
Israting=2.5*22=55A
 ICB= 63 A
Icable 2*16mm2 (66A)
Rules of designing of the big motors

Calculate the rated current IL
Calculate the starting current Istarting
Choose CB such that ICB>Istarting
Choose the cable such that I cable>1.25 IL
The overload is set to be 1.05 of the motors current

Choose the cable for the 3 phase 50 KW motor whose voltage is 380
V and PF=0.9 and Ist=2.5 IL. Effeciency=95%
IL=50000/(sqrt(3)*380*0.9*0.95)= 93.7A
Istarting =2.5*93.7=234 A
ICB= 250 A
Icable>=1.25*93.7=117.1 A
Cable= 4*50mm2 (131 A)

Setting the overload
The overload device is a protective device consist of two part
The first part (thermal sensing part) is connected in series with
motor coils (main poles)
The second part
(auxiliary contacts) is
connected in control circuit
(start/stop circuit)
It is calibrated to be 1.05 of IL (100 A) in the previous example)

Calculating the CB and cable for a group of dynamic loads
We need to calculate I starting for each load and Istart max
We need to calculate I rated for each load and I rated max
Istart group = Istart max+ DF(sum(I rated)-I rated max))
I rated group=1.25* I rated max+ DF(sum(I rated)-I rated max))

Design the distribution board for group of 3-phase motors consist
of:- 3-5HP , 2-10HP,3- 15 HP considering I start=2.5 I rated, PF=0.85
I rated (5HP)= 7.6 A , I rated (10 HP)=14 A , Irated( 15 HP)= 21 A
Istart(5HP)=19 A, I start(10HP)=35 A, Istart(15HP)= 52 A
DF= 0.75
I start group=52+ 0.75(3*7.6+2*14+3*21-21)= 122 A , ICB=150 A
I rated group= 1.25*21+0.75 (3*7.6+2*14+3*21-21)=95 A , cable 3*
35mm2
Which carries (97A)

 Tests to assure the correct design
These tests are:-

 test of the thermal capacity for the cable
 study the effect of the temperature , installation,..)
 study the drop voltage
 to assure the voltage at the end of the cable is fine
Test the capacity of the cable and the circuit breaker for the
maximum short circuit current .
These tests should be applied to the main cables (between distribution
boards )
Test the thermal rating

The current rated is usually given at specific temperature (40 0)
If the temperature changes then the cable capacity should be
revised using De rating factors
Effect of temperature
The capacity of the cable is corrected according to the following
table if it is overhead cable.
Test the thermal rating

Effect of temperature
table if it is underground cable.

Effect of the depth of the underground table
table if it is underground cable.

The de rating factor in the overhead contiguous cable

The de rating factor in the underground contiguous cable

Area of Resistance at 20°C Current Rating (Amp.)
Drop voltage calculation Conduct Max. ohm/km
or
 first method:-
0.05 39.00 4
The drop voltage depends on 0.75 26.00 7
1 – the impedance of the cable 1.0 18.10 11
1.5 12.10 14
2- the current 2.5 7.41 19
4.0 4.95 26
3- the power factor 6.0 3.30 33
10.0 1.910 45
16.0 1.210 60
25.0 0.780 75
35.0 0.554 95
50.0 0.386 125

Drop voltage calculation
Second method:- table shows drop voltage in mV/Km/A

1- using tables

2- using approximation
a- for copper cable
area(mm2)=9*sart(t)*Isc
b- for aluminium cable
area(mm2)=14.2*sart(t)*Isc
 designing the distribution boards

General rules
The lighting loads are distributed symmetrically between three phases
The distribution board is supplied from 3 phase cable unless the power is
less than 10 KVA
 In big buildings , there will be a separate board for conditioning
The rated power of the main feeder for the building should not be less
than that calculated by unit power density method
The no of circuits in each board should not exceeds 36
we should install CB for future using (spare)
There should be space for future using
The body of the boards should be earthed

General rules
The distances between the busbars in the boards should not be less
than 2.54 cm and the same distance should be left between the
busbars and the earth
The loads that can work together at the same time(conditioning and
heating ) can be connected on the same phase and the biggest should
be considered when designing.

IEC method

IEC method

IEC method


IEC method
 designing the main distribution boards

Supplying the main distribution boards
 the building can be supplied from one feeder (one-in-take) if it needs less
than 200 KVA
If it needs from 200KVA up to 400 KVA , it will be supplied by two feeders
(Two-in-take)
If it needs above that power ,
then the distribution company ask
the owner to specify a place to
install a distribution transformer
connected to the main network.
(11 KVA or 22 KVA)
 designing the main distribution boards

Calculating the loads in the main distribution boards
 the total load for the main distribution boards is the sum of loads
for all the auxiliary distribution Boards without using any Demand
factor
 Calculate IL
Calculate ICB>1.25 IL
Icable>ICB
Many flats in building (main distribution board
KwH KwH KwH
3 phase supply
Many flats in building (main distribution board)

fourth floor 5*16mm2 xlpe
Third floor 5*16mm2 xlpe

DB-F3
5*16mm2 xlpe
second floor DB-F2
first floor 5*16mm2 xlpe

DB-F1
Ground floor 5*16mm2 xlpe DB-GF
Basement 1 5*16mm2 xlpe DB-B1
KwH
Basement 2 DB-B2
5*16mm2 xlpe
Main DSB
KwH
3 * 160 A
RCD 160 A
30 mA
3 * 63 A 3 * 63 A 3 * 63 A 3 * 63 A 3 * 63 A 3 * 63 A 3 * 63 A
5*16mm2
5*16mm2
5*16mm2
5*16mm2
5*16mm2
5*16mm2
5*16mm2
DB-B2 DB-B1 DB-GF DB-F1 DB-F2 DB-F3 DB-F4
Basement 2
from DB-B2
3 * 63 A
RCD 63 A
30 mA
10 A 10 A 10 A 10 A 16 A 16 A 16 A 16 A
3*1.5mm2
3*1.5mm2
3*1.5mm2
3*1.5mm2
3*2.5mm2
3*2.5mm2
3*2.5mm2
3*2.5mm2
light light light light socket socket socket spare
Many flats in building (main distribution board

3*16mm2 xlpe
fourth floor DB-F4
KwH

KwH DB-F3
3*16mm2 xlpe
second floor KwH
DB-F2

KwH
DB-F1

KwH

KwH
KwH
Basement 2 DB-B2
3*16mm2 xlpe
3 phase supply
Many flats in building (main distribution board)

fourth floor 3*16mm2 xlpe
DB-F4

DB-F3
3*16mm2 xlpe
second floor DB-F2

DB-F1
Basement 2
KwH KwH KwH KwH KwH KwH KwH
DB-B2
3 phase supply
Main DSB
From mains
3 * 160 A
RCD 160 A
30 mA
1 * 63 A 1 * 63 A 1 * 63 A 1 * 63 A 1 * 63 A 1 * 63 A 1 * 63 A
3*16mm2
3*16mm2
3*16mm2
3*16mm2
3*16mm2
3*16mm2
3*16mm2
DB-B2 DB-B1 DB-GF DB-F1 DB-F2 DB-F3 DB-F4
Basement 2
from DB-B2
KwH
1 * 63 A
RCD 63 A
30 mA
10 A 10 A 10 A 10 A 16 A 16 A 16 A 16 A
3*1.5mm2
3*1.5mm2
3*1.5mm2
3*1.5mm2
3*2.5mm2
3*2.5mm2
3*2.5mm2
3*2.5mm2
light light light light socket socket socket spare
 Circuit Breakers
The characteristics of circuit breakers is determined by
1- I rated (rated current ) (Amp)
2- Short Circuit Capacity KA (SCC)
I rated is the maximum current that can pass through the

CB without making it trips and measured in Amper
The standard values of CB are:-
Short circuit capacity means the maximum current that
can the circuit breaker carry for short time without being
destroyed and usually measured in K Amp.
The standard values of the SCC in KA are:-
Circuit breaker types
1- Power circuit breakers (protect transformers and medium
voltage distribution boards) and can be:-
a- Vacuum CB
b- Air circuit breaker
 the rated of these circuit breakers is 600-4000 A
2- Low voltage circuit breakers
a- Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)
b- Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB)
c- Ground Fault Circuit Breaker (GFCB)
3- Fuses
The difference between MCB and MCCB is the CCS . CSS form
MCB is 10 KA while it is equals up to 100 KA in MCCB
Miniature circuit breaker
The figure shows the plot of (I fault / I rated of CB) Vs the
trip time in seconds
The plot can be divided into 4 areas
First Area:- the current will not trip at all
Second area:- between I rated and the vertical area.
In this are the CB will trip in time inversely related with the
current
Miniature circuit breaker
Third area:- the vertical area to the maximum current that can the CB
carry which is SCC (10 KA) (instantaneous trip)
 if the current goes above CCS , then the CB will burn directly .
Type C and D are typical for motor applications, while type B is
typical for lighting and sockets
In some applications, the fuse is
used instead of CB as it is cheap
and because the similarity in
working between them
Fuse is faster in trip in the second
Area while CB is faster to trip in
third area
Molded case circuit breaker
 this CB is more complex in its construction
It is used in the main feeding circuits
It is bigger in size and can carry high currents
It can be calibrated to change the trip time
 Ground Fault Circuit Breaker
This type of circuit breakers is used to protect from the
earth leakage current in the electrical installations.
The principle of operation depends on comparing phase
current In single phase installation or the sum of the three
phase current in 3 phase installation with the neutral
current.
If there is any difference this mean that there is leakage
currents and the circuit breaker should trip
 figure shows the construction of the GFCB
2* 40 A, 0.03 A 4* 40 A, 0.03 A
 figure shows the construction of the GFCB
 the standard sensitivity values of GFCB is 50 mA and 30
mA and 300 mA
The 5 mA one is very expensive is it is used for high
standard regulations
The 30 mA one is the one used in houses
The 300mA on is used in devices which are exposed to
humidity always as conditions
 the standard values of the rated currents are 100 ,63,40
and 32 A
The GFCB has a T Push Button switch connected with high
load to test the status of the breaker
 Fuses
 it work similar to the CB ie disconnect the high current in
the circuit
It is faster than the CB in cases of very high increasing in
the current
The disadvantage is that if it trips then you should replace
it
Another disadvantage in the cases of 3 phase motors, in
some cases not all the three CB will trip at the same time.
 Fuses
 types
1- Cartrridge Fuses (Low current current)
2- High Rupturing Capacity (high current rating
 Designing public feeding networks

 example of a project connected to 1 MVA transformer
The transformer should be installed in a room closed to the project
the rated CB should be
1000000/(sqrt(3)*380)=1500 A
The short circuit capacity of the circuit

Breaker should be high up to 65 KA
RMU (ring main unit)


 example of a project connected
to 1 MVA transformer
MPDB:main socket distribution
Board
MLDB:main lighting distribution
Board
MEDB:main emergency distribution
Board
MACDB:main conditions distribution
Board

The critical loads is supplied by
UPS which is supplied by ATS
The distribution board related
to the fire pump is supplied by two
Cables : from ATS and from the
Transformer directly to make
Sure The continuouity of power

 ATS Automatic transfer switch

 example of a project
Connected to two 1 MVA
transformer

 example of a building DB

 example of a administration building DB
 puplic main DB MLTP supplies
MSB-1,MSB-2,MSB-3
Each DB supplies auxiliary DB
Also there is Emergency DB
ESMSB

 MSB-1

 MSB-2

 MSB-3

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An-Najah National University

 Designing branch circuits

The branch circuits are collected in the Distribution Boards

The Main Panels are designed according to the distribution boards

 Designing branch circuits

 Designing branch circuits

 Designing branch circuits

 Designing branch circuits

 Designing branch circuits

 Designing the static load circuit

 Designing the Dynamic load circuit

 Designing the Dynamic load circuit

 Designing the Dynamic load circuit

 Designing the Dynamic load circuit

 Designing the Dynamic load circuit

 Designing the Dynamic load circuit

 Designing the Dynamic load circuit

Rules of designing of the big motors

 Designing the Dynamic load circuit

 Designing the Dynamic load circuit

 Designing the Dynamic load circuit

 Designing the Dynamic load circuit

 Designing the Dynamic load circuit

 Tests to assure the correct design

These tests are:-

 Tests to assure the correct design

Test the thermal rating

 Tests to assure the correct design

Test the thermal rating

 Tests to assure the correct design

 Tests to assure the correct design

 Tests to assure the correct design

 Tests to assure the correct design

 Tests to assure the correct design

 Tests to assure the correct design

 Tests to assure the correct design

 designing the distribution boards

 designing the distribution boards

 designing the distribution boards

 designing the distribution boards

 designing the distribution boards

 designing the distribution boards

 designing the distribution boards

 designing the main distribution boards

 designing the main distribution boards

Many flats in building (main distribution board

KwH KwH KwH

Many flats in building (main distribution board)

Third floor 5*16mm2 xlpe

first floor 5*16mm2 xlpe

Ground floor 5*16mm2 xlpe DB-GF

Basement 1 5*16mm2 xlpe DB-B1

Many flats in building (main distribution board

Third floor 3*16mm2 xlpe

first floor 3*16mm2 xlpe

Ground floor 3*16mm2 xlpe DB-GF

Basement 1 3*16mm2 xlpe DB-B1